Austral University

We consider two steady-state heat conduction systems called, S and Sα, in a multidimensional bounded domain D for the Poisson equation with source energy g. In one system, we impose mixed boundary conditions (temperature b on the boundary Γ1, heat flux q on Γ2 and an adiabatic condition on Γ3). In the other system, the condition on Γ1 is replaced by a convective heat flux condition with coefficient α. For each of these systems, we consider three associated optimization problems (Pi) and (Piα), i=1,2,3, where the variable is the source energy g, the heat flux q and the environmental temperature b, respectively. In the particular case where D is a rectangle, the explicit continuous optimization variables and the corresponding state of the systems are known. In the present work, by using a finite difference scheme, we obtain the discrete systems (Sh) and (Sαh) and discrete optimization problems (Pih) and (Piαh), i=1,2,3, where h is the space step in the discretization. Explicit discrete solutions are found, and convergence and estimation errors results are proved when h goes to zero and when α goes to infinity. Moreover, some numerical simulations are provided in order to test theoretical results. Finally, we note that the use of a three-point finite-difference approximation for the Neumann or Robin boundary condition at the boundary improves the global order of convergence from O(h) to O(h2).

Purpose This paper examines the role of leadership practices in successfully integrating Industry 4.0 technologies in the healthcare sector, addressing the socio-technical nature of this digital transformation. Design/methodology/approach We conducted a systematic literature review of 33 peer-reviewed articles published over the past decade, using a leadership-as-practice lens and focusing on studies that explicitly linked leadership to technological integration in healthcare. Findings Our analysis identified two key leadership practices – administrative and adaptive – as central to supporting the integration process. We associated administrative leadership with managing and integrating technical processes, while we linked adaptive leadership to supporting workforce adaptation in disruptive environments. These leadership practices complemented each other. We also uncovered a significant imbalance in the literature, which emphasized technical integration more than the social dimension. To address this gap, we developed a conceptual framework to guide future integration efforts by aligning leadership practices with their appropriate technical or social domains. Practical implications The proposed framework provides healthcare managers with actionable guidance on which leadership practices to prioritise depending on whether the challenge involves technical system implementation or workforce adaptation, facilitating more effective integration strategies. Originality/value The study offers a novel framework for aligning leadership practices with the technical and social aspects of Industry 4.0 integration. It provides actionable insights for healthcare managers facing the dual challenge of technological integration and workforce transformation.

Purpose The decommissioning of flexible pipelines in the offshore oil and gas industry presents both environmental challenges and opportunities for resource recovery. This study proposes a Sustainable Pipeline Upcycling Framework that integrates circular economy principles and additive manufacturing (AM) techniques to transform decommissioned flexible pipes into valuable industrial components. Design/methodology/approach The research follows a multi-phase methodological approach, including Focus Group Interviews, Fuzzy Delphi, and Fuzzy DEMATEL, to systematically identify, prioritize, and map causal relationships among barriers and drivers influencing framework adoption. Findings Key barriers identified include limitations in AM scalability, challenges in material qualification, and high initial investment requirements. On the other hand, enabling drivers such as advancements in 3D printing, sustainability policies, and cost reductions through on-demand production were found to exert strong causal influence over these barriers. Originality/value The findings offer strategic insights for managers and policymakers seeking to implement sustainable decommissioning practices while enhancing operational efficiency and environmental performance in both emerging and developed economies.

Abstract Cortical states shape sensory processing, decision-making, and behavior, and are characterized by distinct patterns of neuronal oscillatory activity. Pharmacological agents can modulate these states and their underlying electrophysiological signatures. Modafinil is a widely used wake-promoting agent and cognitive enhancer, but its effects on cortical oscillations are not fully understood. In this study, we evaluated the effect of modafinil on cortical activity during wakefulness and subsequent sleep. Ten male Wistar rats were implanted with electrocorticographic electrodes and recorded following oral administration of modafinil or its vehicle. Our results show that modafinil increased wakefulness in a dose-dependent manner, with doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg producing prolonged wake episodes and reducing hypnogram complexity. During wakefulness, modafinil enhanced gamma-band power in anterior cortices, an effect primarily driven by increases in the aperiodic rather than oscillatory components. Although no sleep rebound was observed, subsequent NREM sleep exhibited increased delta power, particularly in anterior regions, indicating heightened sleep pressure. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that modafinil-induced wakefulness is associated with an enhanced aperiodic gamma band component at the anterior cortices in the EEG. Furthermore, modafinil modulates sleep homeostasis by enhancing NREM sleep intensity rather than extending its duration.

Introducción La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) es un problema de salud de creciente importancia, especialmente entre los pacientes añosos. Sobre la base de la función sistólica del ventrículo izquierdo (FSVI), existen dos tipos de insuficiencia cardíaca (IC con FSVI deteriorada e IC con FSVI conservada) que se caracterizan por tener diferencias fisiopatológicas y clínicas. Nuestra hipótesis es que esto podría devenir en una diferente utilización de los recursos de la salud. Pese a su importancia, no existen en la Argentina registros que comparen los costos hospitalarios de estas dos formas de IC en pacientes añosos, población en la que predomina la IC con FSVI conservada (fracción de eyección ≥ 50%). ObjetivoAnalizar los costos hospitalarios de estas dos formas de IC en pacientes añosos. Material y métodosSe analizaron datos de 133 pacientes añosos internados por IC. La muestra se dividió según la FSVI; se compararon las características previas y durante la hospitalización y los costos totales desde la perspectiva del financiador. ResultadosLa IC con FSVI conservada fue más frecuente (55,6%) y con predominio femenino. No se observaron grandes diferencias entre ambos grupos, excepto para el uso de espironolactona y la cantidad de medicaciones recibidas, que fue más frecuente en el grupo con FSVI deteriorada. Esta última presentó un costo total mayor (27% más respecto de la otra variante), mayor tiempo de internación y un costo de medicamentos más elevado. ConclusionesSi bien el número de pacientes es reducido, el presente trabajo brinda una aproximación acerca de la importancia del análisis de costos de ambas formas de IC en sujetos añosos en la Argentina, lo cual constituye el paso inicial para la proyección de los gastos en salud.

Background Episodic memory impairment is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is already present in its prodromal stage. While recall deficits are well established as predictors of memory performance, the role of recognition memory—particularly the dissociation between familiarity and recollection—remains less explored. Objective This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on recognition memory performance in healthy controls (HC), individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and those with AD, with a focus on the distinct contributions of familiarity and recollection processes. Methods We searched PubMed (MEDLINE), Science Direct, PubPsych, and TRIP Medical databases for studies published until November 2025, which investigated recognition memory performance in individuals with MCI and AD including validated memory tools (such as scales, indices, scores, tests, and assessments). Forty-six studies (n = 3996) met the criteria and were included. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022343750. Results Most studies were cross-sectional and conducted in memory clinics or research centers, with considerable heterogeneity in sample size and assessment tools. The majority utilized experimental paradigms to differentiate familiarity and recollection, though traditional memory tests remain prevalent. Across studies, recollection was consistently impaired in MCI and AD, while familiarity showed a more variable pattern—often preserved in early MCI but impaired in advanced stages and AD. Structural and functional neuroimaging studies revealed that hippocampal atrophy is closely linked to recollection deficits, while alterations in entorhinal and parahippocampal cortices are associated with familiarity impairment. Combined deficits in recall and recognition, especially when recognition impairment reflects encoding failure, robustly predict conversion to dementia. Conclusions Recognition memory assessment, particularly the dissociation between familiarity and recollection, provides valuable information for early detection and prognosis in the AD continuum. Incorporating nuanced recognition memory measures into clinical practice may improve diagnostic specificity and facilitate timely interventions. Further longitudinal research is needed to validate recognition memory as a predictor of dementia progression and to standardize its assessment in diverse populations.

Modern nursing has evolved into a profession, and its contribution to healthcare is unquestionable. In Argentina, despite favourable changes, the nursing profession has yet to produce research knowledge that has an impact on health. In this document, the Asociación de Escuelas Universitarias de Enfermería de la República Argentina (AEUERA) provides recommendations for the development and implementation of policies to foster the development of health research by nursing in Argentina. The analysis of relevant evidence, academic discussion, and consensus among the participants of the AEUERA research commission led to the formulation of principles and recommendations. Five outlined principles underpin 20 recommendations. These principles represent the values that support a rigorous research practice, grounded in a robust scientific background and tailored to population needs. For Argentine nurses to investigate priority health problems, AEUERA recommends: 1) to guarantee access to scientific training programs with the same standards as other professions within the Argentine scientific system, 2) to guarantee access to doctoral scholarship programs, 3) to create job positions, protected by regulation, for nurse scientists, 3) to provide funding to conduct studies guided by both local and global health priorities. The implementation of these recommendations requires a sustained education and health policy to promote research training for this professional group. AEUERA urges decision-makers to consider these recommendations in their strategic planning for the sector.